Oral Answers to Questions

John Whittingdale Excerpts

Thursday 22nd October 2026 Commons Chamber

[Emma Hardy]

The main problem that we have in the country is the serious organised crime behind some of these criminal activities, and that is exactly what we are going after through the new crackdown group, on which we are working with the National Crime Agency. We are escalating this issue and taking it extremely seriously because, as the hon. Gentleman said, we want to support legitimate businesses that are doing the right thing and get the criminals out of this industry.

[Sir John Whittingdale (Maldon) (Con)]

8. What steps her Department is taking to support the wine production industry.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Stephen Morgan)]

The wine sector is a British success story and we want to grow it further. We are supporting innovation, ensuring that vineyards can access essential labour and helping British producers access new export markets through our global network of agrifood and drink attachés.

[Sir John Whittingdale]

Is the Minister aware that Essex is now a centre of English wine production, with producers such as Danbury Ridge, Missing Gate, New Hall, Crouch Valley and Crouch Ridge all producing in my constituency? A number of them also offer vineyard tours, which are an important source of revenue. Will he support WineGB’s campaign for a wine tourism relief, to reduce the excise duty on cellar-door sales?

[Stephen Morgan]

I was waiting for the invitation to visit those vineyards. Supporting trade and exports is a priority for this Government, which is why DEFRA supports the UK wine industry to succeed both at home and abroad. On the campaign that the right hon. Gentleman mentioned, obviously, matters of duty relief are for the Treasury, but DEFRA recognises the growth potential of the wine tourism industry, including its contribution to rural jobs and rural communities.

--- Later in debate ---

[Emma Hardy]

Our Prime Minister is committed to introducing public control of the water sector. Just last month, we announced that we will remove Thatcher’s outdated cap on Government ownership of water companies. Later this year, our 10-year plan for Britain will set out plans for stronger public control over the water sector, making it work for people and places again.

[Sir John Whittingdale (Maldon) (Con)]

T3. As well as producing extremely fine wines, Maldon produces excellent oysters—I would be delighted to welcome any members of the ministerial team to visit. Will the Department do more to promote the shellfish industry? In particular, will it look to introduce a specific aquaculture qualification to try to attract more apprentices into the industry?

[Stephen Morgan]

The right hon. Member will have heard what I said about the value of the sanitary and phytosanitary agreement, but more broadly, Seafish obviously has a role in promoting seafood around the world. It was a real pleasure to be in Paris earlier this week at one of the world’s largest food and drink expos, promoting British products, including oysters.